Rashid Khan may have picked the IPL over the PSL this year, but the Lahore Qalandars have found someone very much like him, both in name and in effect.  New bowler Rishad Hossain from Bangladesh is quickly becoming a game-changer for Shaheen Shah Afridi's team.

In 2023, Rashid was great for Lahore in the middle overs. This season, Rishad is doing a great job in that role.  And his work has been noticed, especially by English hitter Sam Billings, who isn't shy about showing his respect.

After Lahore’s emphatic win over Karachi Kings, Billings couldn’t help but rave about the 22-year-old in the post-match press conference. “This is my first time playing alongside Rishad, and to see such a young guy bowl like that — it’s just unbelievable,” said Billings. “He’s been phenomenal.”

Rishad didn’t feature in Lahore’s opening match, which resulted in a one-sided loss to Islamabad United. But his inclusion in the following two games has changed everything. Back-to-back matches, three wickets in each, and most of them during the crucial middle overs — Rishad has become the go-to strike bowler, just like Rashid was.

“In this format, a quality wrist-spinner is crucial,” Billings added. “Last year, we had Rashid Khan doing the job for us in the middle overs. This year, Rishad is doing exactly that — taking wickets and helping our pace bowlers apply pressure from both ends.”